Beyond the Natural-Supernatural Dichotomy: A Novel Framework for Ontological Liminality in the Age of Measurable Threshold States

This paper addresses the fundamental philosophical question of whether the existence of measurable liminal states necessitates an expansion of traditional ontological categories beyond the natural-supernatural dichotomy. Through comprehensive analysis of empirical evidence from consciousness studies, quantum mechanics, and psychometric research, I propose a novel theoretical framework: Ontological Liminality Theory (OLT). This framework introduces a third fundamental ontological category—Liminal Existence—characterized by measurable yet categorically ambiguous phenomena that exhibit dynamic oscillation between conventional ontological states. The paper presents empirical validation from multiple domains, including EEG-based consciousness measurement studies [1][2], validated psychometric scales for subjective liminality [3], and quantum mechanical measurement paradoxes [4]. The proposed triadic ontological structure (Natural ↔ Liminal ↔ Supernatural) offers a more complete framework for understanding reality's fundamental structure while maintaining scientific rigor. This work contributes to ongoing debates in philosophy of mind, consciousness studies, and quantum ontology by providing both theoretical innovation and empirical grounding for expanded ontological categories.